"You've been through so much lately," the Marquess said, his voice gruff but kind. His hand rubbed against her pink hair. It was as soft as he imagined.
"You deserve a break..." He slowly added.
Adeline had to stop herself from crying. She looked down at the pastries on her plate. She didn't want them to see her cry. Her little lips quivered, but she stopped herself successfully.
Why was she crying? This was the happiest she had ever been!
At this moment, surrounded by her family, she felt lighter. "Thank you," she said sincerely, her eyes meeting her father's.
As the morning turned into afternoon, the family revelled in their time together. Aaron recounted an exaggerated tale of a recent hunting trip. He talked about everything that happened at his friend's house.
Alaric suggested he stay there permanently. Aaron shot him a glare and ignored him for the rest of the evening.
